Guillermo Mota, We Hardly Knew Ye

September 22, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Guillermo Mota (59) pitches the ball against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The odds were quite against Guillermo Mota making the Kansas City Royals out of Spring Training were likely astronomical. First, Mota was attempting to crack a crowded Royals bullpen, which may not even have enough spots for all of the qualified candidates there. Second, Mota had not pitched since the close of the 2012 season. That year, Mota did not pitch overly well, producing a 5.23 ERA and a 1.548 WHiP.

After taking last year off, Mota signed a minor league deal with the Royals on January 16th. Along with Brad Penny, another former Giants reliever who took the 2013 season off, they were attempting to get one last chance at the major leagues. For Mota, however, that chance has come and gone.

Citing a desire to spend more time with his family, Guillermo Mota left the Royals on Friday. Now, he has officially retired, bringing an end to his fourteen year career. While he was never an All-Star, Mota was a serviceable option in the bullpen. Over his career, Mota produced a 39-45 record with a 3.94 ERA, posting a 2.1 strikeout to walk rate. Mota may not have been overly special, but he was a reliable option to come in during the seventh or eighth inning.

Now, at age 40, Guillermo Mota has called it a career. All the best to him as he gets to sit back and enjoy his retirement with his family.